Understanding and Supporting Self-Harm Dr Pooky Knightsmith

1. Understanding and Supporting Self-Harm Dr Pooky Knightsmith

2. I will help you understand: What self-harm is and the types we might encounter Why people turn to self-harm Triggers and warning signs How to respond and support

3. What do we mean by self-harm?

4. Cutting, burning, embedding Harm to oneself in order to cope Overdosing, consuming poison Scratching, banging Punching, hitting, biting Eating disorders, drugs, alcohol

5. Self-harm can be direct or indirect e.g. cutting vs risk taking Self-harm can be transient or longer term Self-harm is usually conducted at times of anger, distress, fear or worry… …and is a way of coping with these feelings

6. Negative Emotions Self Harm Cycle Low Inability to Cope High Self-harm

7. Why do people self-harm?

8. Punishment Feel cared for Control Why? Appear ugly Fit in No better ways Manage feelings Feel real

9. Triggers

10. What signs might alert us?

11. Personality Low or anxious Feels hopeless Secretive / snappy

12. Physical Injuries / scars Clothing Weight change

13. Behaviour Withdrawn / isolated Avoids changing rooms Eating / sleeping

14. How can we help?

15. Address self-harm in relevant policies Whole School Ideas Teach self-harm safely in PSHE Teach resilience and stress management Signpost support Give staff access to training

16. Supporting Individuals

17. x Negative Emotions Self Harm Cycle Low Inability to Cope High Self-harm

19. How can I help? How can I help? OMG! What to say What NOT to Say Well done for trying Well done for trying Why? I care I care Stop…

20. Are you the best person? • Start with small stuff • Don’t get angry • Go for a walk • Keep offering support • Signpost support What if a student won’t talk?

22. Self-Harm Alternatives

24. When I feel the urge to self-harm I will… 1. Start with the least invasive 2. The sort of thing you could do in maths 3. Work your way up.. 4. Always include a 24 hour helpline 5. The final strategy is your ‘nuclear option’

26. Peer Support • “The most helpful thing for me during my recovery was having a friend who cared. She was brilliant. She listened when I needed to talk and she answered all sorts of difficult questions from my friends. She made me feel safer.”

27. Safe Peer Support

29. Cutter Seb – great musician. Really funny. Very untidy.

30. “I think I’m better able to cope with life’s ups and downs than many of my friends now because I’ve had to think carefully about my response to difficult times.”

31. Hear more from PookyKnightsmith at our Benefits of attending Take away a clear understanding of CAMHS processes Identify and support your pupils who self-harm Support pupils to successfully develop emotional resilience Other speakers presenting on the day include: Dr Nick Barnes, Young People’s Psychiatrist, Haringey Adolescent Outreach Team, NHS Roger Catchpole, Training & Development Manager, Young Minds Peter Connor, Deputy Headteacher, Framwellgate School Find out more at: www.oeconferences.com/mentalhealth14

32. Webinar  Questions & Answers --------------------------------------------------